Whilst Tottenham have garnered plenty of plaudits for their attacking prowess this season, it’s heartening to see that they’re also developing defensively. Whilst the likes of Michael Dawson, Ledley King, William Gallas and Younes Kaboul have proven themselves to be remarkably solid over the last couple of seasons, it’s time that Harry Redknapp started to look to the future. At 34-years-old Gallas is getting on in years and injury problems have seen him play only 10 times this season. Ledley King is a constant injury doubt.
Whilst Younes Kaboul and Michael Dawson will be around for a while, it’s important that fresh young talent is brought through the ranks to keep competition alive and prevent complacency from creeping in. That’s why so much faith has been placed in England U21 International Steven Caulker.
The 20-year-old centre-back has spent time out on loan with Yeovil, Bristol City and Swansea in an attempt to get him prepared for regular football at the top level. His development has been impressive and his recent loan move with Swansea City has seen him earn valuable Premier League experience. However, these recent quotes (thanks to a top interview from Sky Sports) show that he has greater ambitions than this:
“I’ve been out on loan for the last few years and it has done me no harm but I would like to stay at Tottenham next season. I’ve seen some of the football they have played this season and I want to be part of that.
“It will be difficult because there is competition for places at Spurs but I am confident in my own ability and we will see where the summer takes us.”
He has clearly got the right attitude and if he can take this confidence and turn it into performances on the pitch then Spurs may well have a real star on their hands. I think the time is right to begin ingratiating him into the team. Whilst his loan moves will have provided him with invaluable experience, he’ll also benefit hugely by training and playing under Tottenham’s coaches and alongside players like Ledley King.
He can offer plenty to this Tottenham side. He’s incredibly strong in the air, isn’t afraid to get stuck in and always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Over at Swansea he looks every bit as good as the likes of regular International Ashley Williams.
Whilst I can’t see him being a first-teamer over the next year or two, he shouldn’t struggle to hold down a squad place. The hope will be that he can capitalise on his chances in the same way that Jake Livermore has this season.
His head’s clearly in the right place and he’s shown a lot of potential, but whether he can break into this Spurs side remains to be seen.
What’s your take?
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Very promising player, as for next season it very much it depends on how the summer shapes up. There is a strong argument to go after a real top drawer 1st choice centre back to regularly partner Kaboul, as we have suffered from constant changes at the back. Ledley I’m hopeful has still got some in the tank though last few weeks have been a concern. If we can get someone like Vertonghen. Hopefully we’ll have champions league football so will be able to use are squad more. If we can get some quality in as a regular start, I’d rather keep Gallas as a squad player and let Caulker get same games on loan and keep developing, rather than warm the bench.